refractometer vs hydrometer

[guitarded]

ok, i need to buy something to measure my salinity. i have read that refractometers are much more accurate, however, it seems that most of the folks on this forum use hydrometers.

if money is not a factor what are your suggestions and why?

 

[quarryshark]

definately a refractometer. hydrometers are notoriously inaccurate. Here is the one I use.
http://www.premiumaquatics.com/Merc...duct_Code=REFRACT-PA&Category_Code=Hydrometer
It works great.

 

[guitarded]

cool. i just went online and ordered a refractometer. thanks.

 

[quarryshark]

Any time.

 

[malkore]

Thats the same refractometer I have Kurt. I love it!

 

[MarkW19]

And me

 

[tmcpeek]

Me too. No more tapping the outside of my hydrometer to get the bubbles off the needle Well worth the money.

 

[Bearfan]

Think I'm in for one here soon.

 

[fishfreek]

I used a hydromoter for years until I won a refratomoter. I found my hydromoter to be approx .0025 off. So a reading of 1.025 was really 1.0225 or 1.0275. I cant remember if it was high or low.

 

[tmcpeek]

FishFreek. Didn't your refractometer come with a calibration screw? Mine was a liitle off but once I calibrated it with RO DI water, it reads exactly the same as my hydrometer, only way faster.

 

[fishfreek]

Yes it did. And thats what the differece was after calabration. The fact your hydromoter mached the refractomoter is remarable. Hydomoters are not known for their accuracy or consistancy.

 

[tmcpeek]

Sorry fishfreek. Read your post wrong. my hydrometer was brand new when I calibrated my refractometer so I must have gotten lucky with the readings being the same. After using my hydrometer for my QT tank upstairs I did notice that it was inconsistent. I could take two readings within a few minutes of each other and get different results.

 

[RocketSeason]

I use 3 hydrometers. all read something different. but once i get money (after another 20 lbs of live rock and a lighting upgrade.) I am get one!

 

[malkore]

Definitely scope out the one we put a link to. It's under $45 and is a good refractometer. I see places selling 'fancy' refractometers for over $100 and I don't wanna see anyone get ripped off.